It Was Packed the Night They Lit Up Downtown For Christmas. But That Was a Month Ago ...

By Robert Wilonsky Mon., Dec. 19 2011 at 2:48 PM

Like I said one long month ago, the kick-off to CityLights 2011 was quite the spectacular-spectacular -- though till I saw the freshly minted video above, I had no idea how spectacular. (Like, Vegas spectacular -- like everything else of late in this town.) We arrived shortly after Santa zipped down his zip line (which, I believe, is first referenced in Isaiah 14:12-14) and the metallic Christmas tree was emblazoned with fireworks (straight out of Norman Rockwell).

But that was a month ago, and since then ...? Last few times I've driven through downtown at night it's been business as usual -- which is to say, not a creature was stirring. I've told more than few Folks in Charge they should do what Friend of Unfair Park Oak Cliff Townie suggested: "a festival of old Christmas movies at the Majestic," for starters. I was told: Great idea! And ...? "Maybe next year." Humbug.

We Recommend

Guest

I agree with most of the comments below. Downtown has been rather busy lately. The dog has to be kept on a short leash (he thinks every human has a treat for him, and he's not afraid to walk up to them and ask for it). There have been families admiring the tree since it was lit up. Just the other night, it was drizzly and cold, and I was amazed at how many people were walking around. It's had a great energy lately.

Rangers100

You clearly didn't drive down Main Street during the evening.

And maybe you should actually park the car and get out and walk around sometime. Don't be so scared of the place. The burb-like neighborhoods will still be there when you're ready to drive back.

Ellum08

Was down there a couple of weeks ago for a late dinner and I was really surprised the amount of people down there for Friday evening. And not your usual club people, but families walking around the park and down to Neiman's. It was nice.

Downtown_worker

Saturday night there were Occupy Dallas protesters, people dressed as Santa Claus and that loud hate group with the Obama in Blackface posters. I just wanted a drink at The Chesterfield, which was packed. I was happy with the amount of activity in Downtown Dallas.

Downtown_worker

Sorry, Obama as Joker poster (not blackface, duh)

There are huge crowds on Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights along Main Street.

rawlins.gilliland

As the song so favored by the sloth-like visionaries 'promoting' DT Dallas: "Not a creature was stirring, not even a louse..."

cynical old bastard

On Saturday night at Pearl in downtown Dallas, Kim Wilson (of Fabulous Thunderbirds fame) played with Anson Funderburg & The Rockets. The place was as full as it's ever been. The club next door had people streaming in and out and traffic in the street was flowing up and down all night.

Rangers100

Haven't checked out Pearl yet but have it at the top of my list. That place looks really indie cool.